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Just as he begins to go in with the Young Girl an even older and uglier woman enters.
Second Old Woman
Hi! you there! where [1050] are you taking that young man to, in defiance of the law? The decree ordains that he must first sleep with me. Young Man
Oh! what a misfortune! Where does this hag come from? She's a more frightful monster than the other even. Second Old Woman
Come here. She takes him by the arm.
Young Man
To the Young Girl.
[1055] Oh! I beg you, don't let me be led off by her! Second Old Woman
It's not I but the law that leads you off. Young Man
No, it's not the law, but an Empusa with a body covered with blemishes and blotches. Second Old Woman
Follow me, my handsome little friend, come along quickly without any more ado. Young Man
Oh! let me [1060] go to the can first, so that I may gather my wits somewhat. Else I should be so terrified that you would see me letting out something yellow. Second Old Woman
Never mind! you can crap, if you want, in my house. Young Man
More than I want to, I'm afraid; but I offer you two [1065] good securities. Second Old Woman
I don't require them. A Third Old Woman, the ugliest yet, now appears.
Third Old Woman
Hi! friend, where are you off to with that woman? Young Man
I am not going with her, but am being dragged by force. Oh! whoever you are, may heaven bless you for having had pity on me in my dire misfortune.Turns round and sees the Third Old Woman. Oh Heracles! oh Pan! oh Corybantes! oh Dioscuri! [1070] Why, she is still more awful! Oh! what a monster! great gods! Are you an ape plastered with white lead, or the ghost of some old hag returned from the dark borderlands of death? Taking his other arm.
Third Old Woman
No jesting! Follow me. Second Old Woman
No, come this way. Third Old Woman
[1075] I will never let you go. Second Old Woman
Nor will I. Young Man
But you will rend me asunder, you cursed wretches. Second Old Woman
I'm the one he must go with according to the law. Third Old Woman
Not if an uglier old woman than yourself appears.
Aristophanes. Ecclesiazusae. The Complete Greek Drama, vol. 2. Eugene O'Neill, Jr. New York. Random House. 1938.
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